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'It presented the idea that a new deal be made using the players' association's proposal from Dec. 9 that included a luxury-tax system and a 24 percent salary rollback on existing contracts. But if any one of four financial conditions set forth by the league were exceeded, then the NHL's salary-cap offer from last week would go into effect the following … [Read more...] about Bettman: Deal by the weekend or no hockey this season

'After three consecutive days of talks last week, the NHL introduced a plan in which it would implement the proposal made by the union on December 9 until it became obvious it did not work economically. At that time, the league's February 2 design, which masked a salary cap as a "floating team payroll range," would go into effect.' … [Read more...] about NHL season on brink

'The NHL is poised to issue a deadline of Monday or Tuesday for the players' association to agree to a labor deal and will initiate a final round of talks before it becomes the first major professional sports league to cancel an entire season. With schedules of 28, 30 and 32 games in hand, NHL executives calculated that they must have a general agreement by Tuesday … [Read more...] about NHL Is Taking a Final Shot

'Ruff isn't on the ice as much as he normally would be because of the NHL lockout. That's why the Sabres' coach has been getting his jollies one night a week in the Performax senior league.' … [Read more...] about Game on!

'The only thing better than watching the game was rehashing it for 90 minutes, thanks to Sabres fans' answer to the Vegas buffet. "Hotline" was the forum to end all post-mortem forums, and there will always be a special place in my heart for Mike Robitaille.' … [Read more...] about The Fall of the Buffalo Empire

'"To tell the truth I'm not surprised," Sabres winger J.P. Dumont said of the abrupt end to Friday's meeting. "It's been that way for six months. We're still waiting. You never know, though. Sometimes they say no news is good news."' … [Read more...] about No signs of hope in NHL talks

'"I'm as confused as ever," Patrick said. "I guess it just means anything is possible. There's still some hope. There's still a chance."' … [Read more...] about No resolution, but NHL talks are lengthy

'Jody Gage and coach Randy Cunneyworth granted Vanek permission to join the Austrian national team. They were approached by Austrian officials late last month. "This is a big deal for them," Gage said. "These opportunities might come once in a lifetime. We don't want to lose him but we don't want to take a great opportunity away from a … [Read more...] about Austria calls Amerks' Vanek

'The 2003 first round draft pick of the Buffalo Sabres is the third highest scoring rookie in the AHL this year.' … [Read more...] about Amerks Lose Vanek

'Desjardins suffered a serious eye injury late in that 1976-77 season. The injury eventually forced Desjardins to retire prematurely. He would play in just 3 games in the 1977-78 season before he hung up his blocker and catching glove.' … [Read more...] about Sabre Legends: Gerry Desjardins

'"Nothing has changed," Buffalo Sabres union representative Jay McKee said. "It's really been, as far as the NHLPA is concerned, a big waste of time. Time is of the essence, and it's been laid out there full and clear for a long time a salary cap is not acceptable."' … [Read more...] about New offer from NHL dismissed by players

Vanek, who is owned by the NHL Buffalo Sabres, but currently on duty with Rochester due to the NHL lockout, will stay in Austria an entire week and miss the AHL All-Star-Game as well as four league matches. I am sure it was the right decision. We will play France, the Ukraine and Kazakhstan. It will be tough, but I am sure we can beat them all, said Vanek. … [Read more...] about Vanek skips AHL all-star game

'"The Sabres alumni are so down-to-earth and a great bunch of guys -- they treat you like one of the guys," said Trooper Berlinski. "They will talk to you, they will sign anything, they will take pictures. You would never think professional athletes are this approachable but they are."' … [Read more...] about NHL hockey returns to the Southern Tier for one night

'The common phrases used by hockey people to describe Regier are character, loyalty and intelligence.' … [Read more...] about Regier weathered 'perfect storm'

'The proposed changes were both slight (smaller goalie equipment) and radical (no offsides once a team brings the puck over its own blue line). The coaches discussed the need to enforce existing obstruction rules. They also brought up ways to increase media access as avenues to make fans feel more a part of the game.' … [Read more...] about NHL has on-ice woes, too